Toyota 86 TRD: limited edition model set for UK release

The limited edition Toyota 86 TRD has been revealed ahead of its UK release next month.

Limited to only 250 examples, the Toyota 86 TRD is the first Toyota created for the UK specifically using genuine TRD (Toyota Racing Development) parts.

Available with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, the Toyota 86 TRD (Toyota GT86 in the UK) gets a new deeper front lip, more aggressive side skirts, rear diffuser, 18-inch TRD cast alloy wheels and a fast-response quad-exhaust system.

Ford Focus ST v Renault Megane RS265 v VW Golf GTI: Comparison Review

The Ford Focus ST has blown onto the hot-hatch scene. Will it cause a hurricane to rip through the rock-solid Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS265? Words: Jez Spinks. Photos: Chris Brasher.

Hands up if you still think you can only have fun in a rear-wheel-drive car. If you’ve lifted one of your upper limbs then you need to get behind the wheel of the best exponents of the front-wheel-drive hot-hatch breed.

And we have three of the finest here.

BMW M6 Gran Coupe Review

The BMW M6 Gran Coupe lands to compete with two sets of segments – fast sedans, and fast coupes – but it aims to neatly blend both of them.

Gran Coupe stands for a four-door version of a two-door coupe, in this case the regular BMW 6 Series. It shares its engineering fundamentals with a proper four-door sedan, the M5, which costs $70,000 less; and its styling and low-slung driving position with the M6 coupe that costs $8500 more.

BMW insists that the M6 Gran Coupe is a sportier drive than the M5 – thanks primarily to a low-slung driving position, wider tracks and a lower centre of gravity – but it equally admits the extra charge over the M5 is down to lashings of leather on the dashboard, sexier styling and not much else.

Holden Malibu Review

Holden Malibu – it’s the fifth medium car nameplate Holden has used in around three decades, yet Malibu is also its first targeted offering in years.

Designed primarily for North America where it is badged as a Chevrolet, based on a European platform, and built in South Korea, the Holden Malibu draws from the globe to arrive here with one clear aim – to poach Toyota Camry buyers.

The Holden Malibu is larger than the Toyota, and in base $28,490 Malibu CD petrol grade costs $2000 less than the equivalent Camry Altise. It is also substantially better equipped, and the top-grade $31,990 Malibu CDX further drives the high equipment/low cost equation (read here). An optional ($4000) diesel engine, available on both grades, arrives to combat the Camry Hybrid in the fleet-fuelled war against fuel consumption.

Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 Edition 507, E63 S-Model pricing announced

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model will arrive in Australia in October as a single sedan specification priced at $249,900, replacing both the entry and Performance Pack E63 models. Meanwhile the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507 also replaces the Performance Pack in the smaller compact rear-wheel-drive range, but the entry C63 AMG model is retained.

The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S-Model rear-wheel drive costs $8485 less than the old Performance Pack model, which produced 20kW less power. The new S-Model also adds a locking rear differential, auto-parking capability, and full-LED headlights over the previous performance edition’s specifications.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X TMR Bathurst Edition Review

What happens when you take a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, add 30 kW and 70 Nm of additional torque, lower it, improve its suspension and give it a meaner look? You get the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart (TMR) Bathurst Edition Lancer Evolution.

The original Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has long been one of the best ‘affordable’ sports cars thanks to its brilliant handling, great looks and street credibility.

Much like its main rival, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, the EVOs are bought by car fans that adore motor-sports. By those that admire a car for its ability to conquer corners at ferocious speeds and do it with technical brilliance. It’s also bought by those that want to improve on the existing package.

The modification business comes in all forms and sizes from minor brake upgrades to new turbos, intercoolers, fuel pumps and much more. In the case of the TMR EVO X, it’s a complete repackaging of a brand new car, sold new with full warranty.

2013 Porsche Cayman Review

It’s hard to believe Germans have viewed the Porsche Cayman as the poor man’s Porsche since the model was introduced in 2005.

Regarded as one of the great-handling sports cars and half the price of the 911 (at least in Australia), it’s also surprising the compact coupe is the company’s lowest-volume car in a majority of international markets.

It does lack some crucial details, of course, for buyers looking for the 911’s iconic silhouette, race-bred status or its speed.

Subaru WRX: 2.0-litre turbo sedan to be fastest-ever Rex

he next-generation Subaru WRX is less than a year away from being shown in production form, after this design concept was revealed at the 2013 New York auto show.

Although Subaru was tight-lipped about specification details and timing, executives did confirm that they expect this to be the fastest-ever Subaru WRX model; that it will use a downsized 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo; and it will be offered as a sedan only with different styling to the regular Impreza.

Asked directly whether the next Subaru WRX will be faster than the outgoing 2.5-litre turbo model, which claims 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds, company spokesperson Masashi Uemura replied “we hope so”.

Subaru of America president Tom Doll was more specific about the powertrain options, saying that “I think you can probably guess that with the 2.0-litres that are currently in the Impreza that a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is coming…

2013 Maserati Quattroporte Review

The all-new Maserati Quattroporte really does reflect the Italian car maker’s determined effort to challenge Germany’s luxury marques.

The second generation of the modern Quattroporte (the sixth generation Maserati large sedan overall) launched in Europe earlier this year ahead of its planned Australian introduction in September.

The new Maserati Quattroporte has grown in size – it’s now 166mm longer, 63mm wider and 43mm taller than its immediate predecessor – ostensibly to leave room in the line-up for the forthcoming, mid-sized Ghibli sedan.

Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion Review

The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion uses just 3.8 litres of diesel per 100km. That’s less than the Toyota Prius and without all the fancy hybrid gear.

Buying a current-generation hybrid has all of a sudden become an almost pointless exercise. You can now buy a German built Volkswagen Golf that uses less fuel and costs thousands less ($28,990).

The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is the most fuel efficient Golf of all time. Its 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel 77kW engine (250Nm of torque) uses 0.1L/100km less fuel than the all-mighty Prius and it doesn’t even need to carry around batteries and an electric engine. It’s also the second most fuel efficient car on sale in Australia (after the Ford Fiesta Econetic).

Mitsubishi Triton Diesel Super Select 4×4

Mitsubishi Australia has announced the arrival of a new upgrade to its Triton four-wheel drive utility range across the diesel VR, GLX-R and GLS models.

They now boast Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select four-wheel drive system as found in the highly specified passenger four-wheel drive Pajero wagon.

2013 Nissan Navara Review

The Nissan Navara ute was given a major update in 2012, bringing more equipment and price reductions to the popular One-Tonner.

An all-new Navara is due in 2014 but the current model remains one of Australia’s biggest-selling models.

The Nissan Navara is getting on a bit compared with a raft of new rivals that include the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok.

The private sector (60 to 70 per cent) continues to fuel growth in the ute segment with many of those folks using their dual cab pick-ups as a both a work vehicle during the week and as the family chariot over the weekend.

The big seller in the Nissan Navara line-up has been the ST dual cab 4×4, which now has a more powerful 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 140kW (up 11 per cent) and a not too shabby 450Nm  (up 12 per cent) torque. That’s marginally less than the BT-50 and Ranger, which share the same 147kW/470Nm powertrain.

Audi A3 Sedan Review

The Audi A3 Sedan is the answer to a question so many have been asking: a small, affordable luxury sedan with killer looks.

Germany’s premium car manufacturers continue their strong push to put more models within reach of younger buyers, and the four-door version of the new A3 joins the A-Class-based CLA from Mercedes as models expected to be priced from below $45,000.

The first Audi A3 four-door since the nameplate launched in the mid 1990s, however, is a more conventional-looking sedan than the coupe-mimicking CLA, and it expands the A3 family that had comprised only three-door and five-door hatches.

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG: 265kW hot-hatch unleashed

The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG has been officially unveiled ahead of the ground-breaking hot-hatch’s world premiere at next month’s Geneva motor show.

The German car maker’s first ever high-performance compact production car will launch in its domestic market in June before arriving in Australia in the second half of the year, assuming the halo position atop the all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback range.

Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport Review

Forget everything you’ve read about the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The first- and second-generation models were practical and relatively affordable, but they were not much fun to drive and looked like the kind of cars a new-age Noddy would drive.

A blast in the new Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport shows things have changed dramatically with the third-generation car.

The hot-hatch version of the new A-Class range clearly demonstrates Mercedes can build exhilarating cars that don’t have dirty great V8 engines lurking beneath the bonnet. We were beginning to wonder whether it could…

The A-Class range goes on sale on March 1 and kicks off with the 90kW 1.6-litre A180 petrol at $35,600. This is more than $5000 more than the last entry-level car, but comes with a heap more standard gear.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

A niche-looking four-door luxury car has entered the realms of affordability with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA – a model that continues the three-pointed-star badge’s quest to lure younger buyers.

‘Younger’ is a relative term for a brand that has an average customer age that is one of the oldest in the industry, but the CLA has a visual dynamism that should perfectly complement the equally new A-Class hatchback.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA can be viewed as a downsized, ‘junior’ version of the German car maker’s much-heralded CLS that sparked a flurry of activity from rival product planners to copy the four-door ‘coupe’ concept.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507

German powerhouse Mercedes HAS taken the wraps off the latest high-performance addition to icts C-Class range, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507, ahead of icts world premiere at next month's Geneva motor show in 2013.

Referring to the new model's enhanced engine output (507hp), the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507's naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 features technology from the SLS AMG supercar to reach new performance heights.

Forged pistons from the SLS Gullwing, as well as new connecting rods and a lightweight crankshaft translate to a 3kg weight saving, while a titanium gray-painted variable intake manifold and a new engine control unit full the engine upgrades.

Jaguar C-X75

Highest power and torque density

The C-X75 has a combined power output in excess of 850bhp and 1000Nm of torque, thanks to its state-of-the-art, Formula 1-inspired, 1.6-litre dual-boosted (turbocharged and supercharged) four-cylinder powerplant which generates  502 bhp at 10,000 rpm.

It is allied to the highest torque and power density electric motors in production, which generate a further 390 horsepower. The battery pack in the C-X75 is the highest continuously rated power PHEV pack in the world, capable of delivering more than 300kW over the full state of the charge window.

2013 Porsche Cayman and Cayman S

It's no secret that to make a Cayman, you simply add a roof and 10 horsepower to the Boxster. However, the stiffer chassis that results, and perhaps a few other changes we don't see, have lead to the Cayman being considered as the benchmark sports car in its class/price range (which is also true of the Boxster anyway). But since the 2009 refresh of the Mk.1, or 987 Cayman, which added a Limited-Slip Differential, people have started to ask whether the Cayman S is actually a better deal than a 911 Carrera, something Porsche tried hard to avoid at the start, but seems to be OK with now, as the two cars appeal to different types. Those who want a 911 will still buy a 911, whereas people who aren't as picky will still spend plenty on the Cayman or Cayman S. Now we have a Mk.2 Cayman, and seeing as its Boxster sister has apparently come of age, this is going to be one exceptional mid-engined sports car. It also looks great, fixing the dodgy roof of the Mk.1 and getting a less smiley, more serious "face" than its topless twin.

Engines are the same as the new 981-generation Boxster, with a 2.7-litre or 3.4-litre flat-six on offer, but they make 10 more horsepower, at 275 and 325bhp respectively for the base model and the S. Because Porsche are cool, a 6-speed manual will be offered alongside the 7-speed "PDK" flappy-paddle 'box. Expect it to cost a bit more than the equivalent Boxster and get glowing reviews in every road test you read about it. Prices and other stuff will be added here when they publish it.

cars 57 PORSCHE SPEEDSTER

There aren’t many people in the world who’ll argue that the Porsche Speedster isn’t one of the most beautiful cars of the 20th century. The only real problem with owning one is the fact that it cost so much, you can’t ever really enjoy driving it like it should be driven without fearing that you’ll put it into a wall and cost yourself a small fortune in panel-beater bills.

The only solution to this dilemma is a car like this, an extraordinarily accurate, modern re-creation of a 1957 Porsche Speedster. The body, chassis, engine and transmission are all very close approximations of the original, in fact it’s impossible to tell it isn’t an original without opening the trunk or hood and having a poke around.

Lamborghini’s New $3.9 Million Veneno Supercar

A Lamborghini Venenos automobile, produced by Automobili Lamborghini SpA, on display on the first day of the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, March 5, 2013.

On Monday, Italian carmaker Lamborghini introduced its Veneno supercar, a 750-horsepower beast whose $3.9 million price tag immediately makes it one of the most expensive cars ever produced, putting the $2.4 million Bugatti Veyron and the McLaren F1 (a mere $1 million, although they’re tough to find) in the shade.

BMW X5 Typhoon Black Pearl

G-Power, specializing in tuning of BMW cars, unveiled its new masterpiece - a revised X5.

Chevrolet Camaro from the Transformers will be serialized in 2013

Chevrolet dealers Company announced its intention to market a special modified coupe Camaro, which was called Bumblebee, and will be built in honor of the same character from the movie Transformers. As the site Camaro5, orders for this car in the United States will take from 1 June this year, but production cars will run from June to December.

Cars limited edition Ford Mustang GT350

At the auction collector car Barrett-Jackson in the U.S. known American company Shelby presented the next version of the tuning coupe Ford Mustang GT - GT350. The car was built in honor of 45 anniversary of the appearance of the first classic "Mustang" Shelby GT350, which was released in the amount of 562 copies. The new model will be assembled in the number of 2,200 pieces.Specialists of the company with Shelby racing division of Ford made improvements to the standard five-liter eight-engine "Mustang" power of 412 horsepower, the addition of a firm mechanical supercharger. This has increased the impact of the engine to about 500 horsepower. The unit works in tandem with a six-speed manual gearbox. Dynamic characteristics of new items, which at Barrett-Jackson auction was presented in the form of ready for mass production concept car, not announced.

Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid (2013)

VW Jetta Hybrid

Volkswagen of America has launched one of the world's most efficient automobiles on the market: the new Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. It is powered by a high-tech turbo petrol engine (TSI with 110 kW / 150 PS) and a zero-emissions electric motor (20 kW) working in a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly alliance. Power transmission is managed by one of the most advanced and efficient automatic gearboxes: the 7-speed DSG from Volkswagen. While this hybrid drive enables very impressive driving performance (0-60 mph in less than 9 seconds), the new VW Jetta Hybrid also produces an extremely low (combined) fuel economy value of 45 mpg. This means that the sporty saloon consumes about 20 per cent less fuel than a comparably powered car with a conventional drive system.

At the press of a button, the driver can also choose to drive the new Jetta Hybrid in pure electric mode, and therefore with zero emissions, at speeds of up to 44 mph and over a distance of 1.3 miles (depending on terrain and operating conditions).

Volkswagen Jetta: New Car Review 2013

Introduction

When it comes to selling cars, a low price usually trumps whatever critics have to say. That's certainly true of the latest Volkswagen Jetta, which has been panned in the press for its obvious cost-cutting measures but sells like hotcakes anyway thanks to its rock-bottom starting price. In other words, Volkswagen could simply ignore folks like us and keep raking in the profits. But instead the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta features improvements that seem designed to get critics and car buyers on the same page.

Most notably, the sporty GLI sedan and the SportWagen are no longer the only Jettas with a soft-touch dashboard. For 2013, the SEL sedan with the 2.5-liter engine gets one, too, and every Jetta TDI sedan will have gone soft by the end of the year. It might seem like a small gesture, but the uptick in perceived quality is dramatic. Moreover, the rear drum brakes that we complained about last year have been replaced by superior discs on every 2013 Jetta.